Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Certification

Due to complex challenges in today’s food supply chain, many of the world's largest food retailers are mandating supplier certification to Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) schemes, which include SQF, BRC, IFS, FSSC, GLOBALG.A.P. and BAP and CanadaGAP.

NSF International is the leading global certifier to GFSI benchmarked standards, with exceptional technical expertise, consistently calibrated auditors and capacity for a timely path to certification.

GFSI was established to ensure confidence in the delivery of safer food to consumers, while continuing to improve food safety throughout the supply chain. These global standards address food, packaging, packaging materials, storage and distribution for primary producers, manufacturers and distributors.

Several standards fall under the GFSI scope, which can be confusing when you need to select just one. Some standards are geared toward particular industry sectors (GLOBALG.A.P. for agriculture, BAP for seafood), but outside of that, it is up to individual companies to select which is right for them. As your chosen certifier, NSF can walk you through the various standards and provide insight and guidance on which would be most appropriate for your company.

NSF has the expertise and experience to assist your facility at every step in preparing for and maintaining certification to GFSI benchmarked standards including training, technical advice, pre-assessment audits, GFSI audits/certification and re-assessment audits.

Preparing for GFSI certification is different for every facility based on the current development of the facility, quality of recordkeeping and the resources your company may have to prepare for GFSI certification. It generally takes an average of six to nine months to prepare for GFSI certification. Please contact us at +1 877.893.1325 or foodsafetysolutions@nsf.org to discuss the process and determine your estimated timeline to certification.

NSF is the largest GFSI certification body in the world, certifying to nearly all categories within the GFSI standards. We recommend that you schedule your audits as far as six to nine months in advance to assure the date(s) you desire. Many factors determine availability including the category, time of year, standard, etc. Contact us at +1 877.893.1325 or foodsafetysolutions@nsf.org to discuss our availability for your category and desired standard.

NSF has been an invaluable partner in planning the transition of Yum! suppliers to global food safety certification. They are true industry experts with unmatched knowledge of best practices and global supply chain solutions.Mary Townsend-Smith
Yum! Restaurants International